New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson says the team and quarterback Drew Bress are “close” to reaching a new deal.

Are they close enough for Brees to report Monday, when the Saints’ offseason workout program begins? Are they close enough for Brees and the Saints to reach agreement on a new deal within a few days?

Drew Brees has yet to sign his one-year tender, which is an indication that he might not decide to report to offseason workouts on Monday. (AP Photo)

Benson did not go into specifics during his Friday press conference to announce that he will be the new owner of the NBA’s New Orleans Hornets. However, when asked about Brees’ contract situation, Benson revealed he had just spoken to Brees and took a more positive tone about the negotiations than most recent reports have indicated.

“I talked to Drew Bress this morning personally and told him what was going on,” Benson said. “He’s due in next week, and we (are) close. You know how those things work. It just takes a little more time, a little patience. … We haven’t forgotten about him.”

The Saints put the franchise tag on Brees, but he wants a long-term deal and has not signed his tender—an indication that he may decide not to report on Monday. The Saints need Brees’ leadership, considering coach Sean Payton begins his season-long suspension on Monday for his involvement in the bounty scandal.

Benson’s decision to talk directly to Brees could be the jump-start needed to bring a deal to fruition. At least that’s what Saints fans hope. A new contract for Brees would be great offseason news for a franchise that needs it.